By Freddy Sanchez, September 15, 2026
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald has put a pause to his retirement, announcing his return to the NFL via social media.
Donald, 35, announced the news Aug. 30 on Instagram, captioned “We Back #Rams #Ready.” The three-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner was retired for three years but is now rejoining the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year $20 million base contract with incentives worth up to $10 million, bringing the total value to a potential $30 million.
This news comes after the Rams had a busy offseason acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie via trade, extending the 2025 MVP, Matthew Stafford, and trading for reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.
Donald returning to the Rams defense puts the league on notice, as they have two former DPOY award winners lined up adjacent. The Rams have five DPOY awards attributed to just two of their defensive lineman – three-time winner, Aaron Donald, and two-time winner, Myles Garrett. Rams fan and business student, Edwin Romero, could not hold in his excitement regarding the team’s hopes.
“This Rams team reminds me of our last Super Bowl winning team,” said Romero. “We are definitely going to win it all, even if Donald isn’t 100%.”
According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Rams opened as Super Bowl LXI favorites at +850 but have now jumped to a +500, which is taking place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Donald captured his first and only championship ring with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 at SoFi.
The league has paid major notice to this announcement, as it has sparked a variety of reactions from different players. Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams has made it clear that the defending champions will not be affected by the Rams’ offseason.
Once the signing was announced by Adam Schefter, social media posts were flooded with reactions from all fan bases. Computer information systems student and Seahawks fan, Christopher Libuton, made it clear that the league should be concerned.
“Myles Garrett being on the same defensive line as Aaron Donald absolutely scares me,” Libuton said. “How are you supposed to defend against that…who are you supposed to double team to make this happen? They also got Trent McDuffie this offseason…[and] the Rams have a stacked offense.”
Contrary to opposing fans’ opinions, the Rams’ fanbase have absolutely loved the move. The rumors of Donald returning to football have been discussed for months since the Garrett trade, but fans had doubts due to Donald mentioning in years prior he would rather not play.
The legacy of Donald remains cemented as one of the greatest defensive players to ever put the pads on, but what is in store for him this season will only elevate the resume he leaves behind. For the first time in his career, Donald will not have to carry the load of a defensive front or worry about multiple defenders blocking him on every play.
Garrett, coming off a record-breaking season, will be in charge of creating the pressure for the Rams. Garrett has consistently been double-teamed or even triple-teamed numerous times throughout his career in a Browns organization that has picked up a combined eight wins in two years. Now, he is joining a defensive line that was one game away from a Super Bowl this past year. Garrett, being named the NFL’s best player heading into the 2026 season by his peers, is now the focus.
“Seeing the Rams headline the media for good news is such a fun site as a fan,” said Gracie Baltierra, a child development major. “The games are going to be electric and entertaining.”
Donald winning another Super Bowl would place him in a rare club with outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who is widely regarded as the greatest defensive player of all time by the NFL, as the only three-time DPOY with two championships.
The Los Angeles Rams are listed as the top dogs this season by ESPN, but the season will remain uncertain until the games are played. Until then, Donald and his peers will aim to retrieve the grandest prize in football – the Lombardi.
Feature image courtesy of All-Pro Reels
